AFC Champs League, West wrap

Naft of Tehran lost 2-1 against Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor football team in Group B played in Tashkent. Kakhi Makharadze found the back of the net with a header in the 48th minute to put Pakhtakor in the lead. The equaliser came in the 59th minute when Ali Ghorbani equalized with a left-footed shot. With five minutes remaining, Igor Sergeev scored the winner for Pakhtakor.

Al Ain 0-0 Al Shabab (Group B)
The goalless draw suits visitors Al Shabab Riyadh slightly more, yet Al Ain will not have departed the lively Hazza bin Zayed Stadium disappointed. The only chances of the game fell Al Ain’s way, a superb block from midfielder Abdulrahman Alkhaibary preventing Ibrahim Diaky from forcing an early lead, while Asamoah Gyan was a constant menace in the air against giant compatriot Mohammed Awal.

Persepolis 3-0 Lekhwiya (Group A)
Iran’s Persepolis celebrated their return to the AFC Champions League after a three year absence with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Qatar champions Lekhwiya at Azadi Stadium. After a goalless first half, Persepolis netted twice in six minutes as first Mohsen Bengar headed home on the 60th minute before Hadi Norozi added a second shortly after. Persepolis captain Mohammad Noori then added the game’s third and final goal from the penalty spot with seven minutes remaining.

Al Nassr 1-1 Bunyodkor (Group A)

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr overcame an early own goal to draw 1-1 with Uzbekistan side Bunyodkor. Nassr goalkeeper Al Enezi Abdullah scored an own-goal in the 14th minute before Fabian Estoyanoff got the equaliser in the 51st minute to earn his side the draw.